The church at Philippi is remembered among other things, for being sensitive to Paul’s financial needs. When he first visited Philippi there were no Christians. Paul preached God’s Word and a small group of believers began to grow in their relationships in God. As they matured in their faith they began to understand the tremendous blessings that God had given them which resulted in the desire to support the man who was sharing God’s Word with them.

When Paul moved on to another nearby city and word came that he was in need, remarkably the Philippians were the only church that came to Paul’s aid, not once but twice (Philippians 4:15-16). When Paul was ministering in Corinth, the Philippians made up what he was lacking (2 Corinthians 11:8-9). Ten years later, when Paul was in a Roman prison, the Philippians once again sent assistance to Paul. They were always looking for opportunities to show their concern and their support to Paul. And Paul knew that the gift was credited to their account. . . their account from God’s perspective.

How are you being a modern day Philippian? Do you understand the tremendous blessings that result from being a child of God? Has that understanding resulted in the desire to support those who share God’s Word with you? How are you looking for opportunities to show concern to those who minister to you? How do you financially support those who are helping you to grow in your faith? How are you a modern day Philippian?

The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. (NIV) Genesis 39:2

The last that we left Joseph, he was sold by his brothers to Midianites who in turn sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials. Joseph was 17 years old. But, The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered. When Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes. Joseph was put in charge of Potiphar’s household, and was entrusted to care for everything his master owned. As a result, God blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.

All seemed to be going smoothly until the well-built and handsome young man caught the eye of Potiphar’s wife. As she tried to seduce him, Joseph held firm and did not sin against either God or his master. Eventually, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph and he was sent to prison. But, God was consistent. While Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. Joseph was put in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because he LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. (Genesis 39:22-23)

Joseph stood out among many. It was evident to others that God was with him granting him success in all he did. Although Joseph had been betrayed by his family, sold into slavery, and falsely accused and imprisoned, he kept his eyes on God. He entrusted his circumstances to the One he knew was in control.

How do you handle life when you have been betrayed, sold out, falsely accused or “imprisoned” by your circumstances? Do you go through the “woe is me” pity party? Do you chronically complain to all who will listen? Do you get bitter with the life you have been dealt? Or do you like Joseph entrust your life, your circumstances, and your future to the One who is in control? It’s not easy. But, trust the One who sees all. . .who knows all. . .who holds the keys to the future. . .who never wastes any of our experiences. . .who has His Kingdom purposes prevail. . .and who loves you enough that He sent is only Son to die for you so that you can spend eternity with Him. We may never understand our circumstances, but we can choose to trust the One who is in control.

After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them.
(NIV) Genesis 25:26

Jacob was given his name because at the birth of the twins, “his hand took hold of Esau’s heel” (Genesis 25:26). Figuratively Jacob’s name means: “he deceives.” The deception did not stop at birth but rather became the pattern of Jacob’s life. Jacob “took hold” of Esau’s birthright that was given the firstborn son (Genesis 25:29-34). He continued to “take hold of” the possessions of others. . .he “took hold” of his father’s blessing (Genesis 27:1-29). . .He “took hold” of his father-in-law’s flocks and herds (Genesis 30:25-43; 31:1). Finally in the most dramatic moment of Jacob’s life, he “took hold” of God (Genesis 32:22-32). Even though Jacob was deceptive and did wrong to achieve his purposes, God in His sovereignty, blessed him.

What excuses do people around you use to rationalize their sinful behavior to achieve their purposes? What sinful behaviors do you rationalize to achieve your purposes? Will you “take hold” of God today, confess your sins, and allow Him to change you?